How to make Grape Juice with a Blender – Nectar of the Gods

These beautiful, dark grapes were gifted to me from an old vine growing in my neighbourhood — a heritage variety with small fruit and very large seeds. While the grapes were delicious, they weren’t the easiest to eat, so I decided to turn them into grape juice instead. And I’m so glad I did! Making homemade grape juice in a blender with the seeds and skins was a bit of an experiment – but with outstanding results!

The reward was a juice with such a dark rich hue, so vibrant and flavourful that everyone who tasted it (including me) called it “nectar of the Gods.” It’s incredibly easy to make — no juicer required. Just a blender, a sieve, and a little patience. I made it in a Nutribullet smoothie blender. The colour is astonishingly dark and very much convinces you that you are consuming powerful antioxidants, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, melatonin and resveratrol with every sip!!!

This is a beautiful way to honour heirloom and old vine grapes planted by earlier generations and still found in some people’s backyards. As most of us have become accustomed to eating grapes with no seeds or small seeds these grapes may sometimes go uneaten. The juice is so incredibly delicious and healthy it really is a treat for all fortunate enough to have access to these old grapes. You are honouring your body by providing it with such incredible old-world goodness with so many health benefits. When my body seems so keen to consume something and I find it really delicious I do take it as a sign that it holds some benefits, known or unknown, that my body is in need of.

The grape seeds, grape skins and the grape pulp all contain a variety of health promoting compounds so it is lovely to have them all in the juice.

Antioxidants
Grapes contain natural antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress — a process linked to aging and various health conditions. [1]

Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols in grapes have been shown to support healthy blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, which may benefit heart health. [1]

Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases, depression and metabolic syndrome. Grape compounds, especially those in the skin and seeds, have shown anti-inflammatory effects in many studies — a process linked to overall well-being. [1]

Gut Microbiome
Animal studies suggest grape polyphenols may help support a healthy gut microbiome, especially after antibiotics, and reduce gut inflammation. [1]

Ongoing Research
Ongoing areas of research on compounds found in grapes ability to protect brain cells, support memory, protect the liver, positively influence obesity and assist in the fight against diabetes are of great interest. [1]

[1] Zhou, D.-D., Li, J., Xiong, R.-G., Saimaiti, A., Huang, S.-Y., Wu, S.-X., Yang, Z.-J., Shang, A., Zhao, C.-N., Gan, R.-Y. & Li, H.-B. 2022, “Bioactive compounds, health benefits and food applications of grape”, Foods, vol. 11, no. 18, p. 2755, viewed 29 July 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/18/2755.

Notes

• Best flavour & nutrient retention: Best consumed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge 12–24 hours. The vibrant taste and antioxidants are at their peak right after blending. After 2 days or possibly sooner the flavour can noticeably dull, colour may darken, and natural fermentation may start (tiny fizz or tangy smell).

• A great way to use grapes that are too small or seedy to snack on.

• Unlike store-bought juice, this version includes the goodness from grape seeds and skins, which contain more antioxidants than the pulp . Most store-bought grape juice, even “100% juice” varieties, are made from pressed grapes where the skins and seeds are removed early in processing.

• Making grape juice at home is easy with a blender — no juicer required!